Wednesday, August 28, 2013

"So...What do you do for a living?"

I am sure everyone has heard this question. It's one of the most common "icebreaking-get-to-know-someone" question there is. Most people do not even have to think about the answer. That's cool. However, some of us get to have a little fun with that question. For example:

Let's say it's Monday, during normal business hours, and somebody asks me that question. During this season of my life I would say "I install security systems for the government." I like to say it like that because it sort of makes you sound like James Bond or something better than what you really do...which is work in dirty warehouses and breathe forklift tire-rubber!

Now, if you were to ask me after business hours, like if we were to have a chat at the Starbucks, I would tell you "I am a graphic designer for a natural skin care company." That sounds cool too, and most of the time that part of my job description is fun and the outcome is very rewarding! Now, if by chance we lived in the same neighborhood down here in Florida (my second home...that sounds cool too!), we might bump into each other on a run in the evening, and it would seem that I was just another local runner trying to lose some weight (those of you that know me should be laughing...) and our conversation might lead to the above question, in which I would respond by saying "Well, I oversee all marketing for Harmony Acres Soap Co. in North Carolina."

This is fun (is this bragging?)! Anyhow, you may run into me at the Flying J truck stop in St. George South Carolina. That is where I stop most of the time on my 8 hour work commute from North Carolina to Florida (that is my long commute, it's only twice a week...).

There is the slight possibility that we would cross paths in Boone, North Carolina at the Watauga County Farmers Market on any given Saturday, May-November (quick commercial...) and it would be apparent that I am playing the role (and absolutely loving it!) of a salesman for Harmony Acres Soap Co.. Of course, you would also see most of, if not all of my family there as well, so you strike up conversations with them and get a whole new listing of job titles for each of them! How fun!

It probably goes unsaid, but it would be completely and totally impossible to fulfill any of these roles without my amazing wife! She plays many more roles than I do, but her number one role is keeping me straight and being a mom/teacher of nine and making soap and delivering packages and being beautiful and ... I could really go on and on. If you are a woman reading this, I am not intending to make you feel bad or jealous, but there can only be one "The Best" so being next up to "The Best" is still open for discussion.

Of course, each one of my children, all the way down to at least Glory, play a very important part in this hat wearing extravaganza.

Did you know that Skylar can make you a Lemonade (and not just any Lemonade, but one that deserves a capital "L") and carry on a full conversation with you? That is incredible! Keaton has been about 28 since he was born, and although he has a lot of help around the house while I am gone, a good leader is necessary, and that he is! The only reason Cory is able to be super-woman is because Treasure and Journey are right there to fill in the blanks while soap is being made! Amazing! They play a huge part in school having it's part in the day. Wow!

Fischer is our next "first-born". And we all know that there is something special about the role of a first-born. He plays that very well. Cedar just gets things done. Doesn't matter what it is, he just does it. Did you know that a 4 year old can do sheet-rock? It's true, Jewel actually helped quite a bit with the Smelly Shop addition. I have pics to prove it!

Well, enough about us. We would love to here what hats you wear! (now I am wearing the "interviewer" hat...:) Feel free to post any encouraging story you might have relating to the question "So...what do you do for a living?"